The coaches of the six New Zealand-based franchises have made the tough decisions and will make their lineups public across Wednesday.
We look at the selection talking points ahead of round eight, which kicks off with a Good Friday humdinger between the Crusaders and Blues in Christchurch.
CRUSADERS v BLUES
Friday, 7.05pm at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
It ain’t broke, so the Blues weren’t looking to fix too much in their lineup to face the Crusaders.
All Blacks tourist Finlay Christie, a late withdrawal on Saturday post-warmup, is back as starting halfback and AJ Lam gets the nod on the right wing this week, ahead of Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, with Caleb Clarke still serving his suspension.
The most notable additions are on the bench, where star off-season signing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck returns from a shoulder injury and tighthead prop Nepo Laulala is back from suspension. Zarn Sullivan is also tabbed for a return off the pine, providing he passes a late fitness test.
All Black Ofa Tuungafasi has been cleared to start at tighthead prop, despite receiving 28 stitches in a facial wound against the Chiefs, while veteran lock Luke Romano has been green-lighted to run out against his old team in an unchanged second row alongside Josh Goodhue.
The Blues are chasing their first victory in Christchurch since 2004.
Blues: Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Mark Telea, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Tom Robinson, Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano, Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Nepo Laulala, James Tucker, Adrian Choat, Taufua Funaki, Roger Tuivasa-Shecka, Zarn Sullivan/Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
